12:40 - Schleck Talking To Contador
As the escape group of seven riders continues to increase its lead, the riders in the yellow and white jerseys - Contador and Schleck - are having a discussion in the peloton that’s led by the Astana team.
12:35 - Koren On The Attack
Kristjian Koren of the Liquigas team is one of numerous who are trying to escape the peloton at the moment. We will report the other names once the numbers are confirmed.
12:33 - Sastre Wants To Attack Marie-Blanque
The winner of the 2008 Tour has said this morning that he plans to attack on the second climb of the day. Contrary to a previous newsflash that stated that there were three climbs in stage 17, there are actually four - including the category-4 cote de Renoir (at 13.5km). Carlos Sastre says he will try and breakaway on the steep, climb that starts at the 46.5km mark.
13:52 - Comments From Astana Directeur Sportif
Contacted by letour.fr before the start today, the manager of the Astana team emphasized the strategic importance of today’s stage: “Alberto is determined to make the best possible stage, because it will be decisive for the outcome of this Tour,” said Yvon Sanquer. There are two aspects to this day for Alberto. First of all, there is a strategy to defend his yellow jersey, which is the absolute priority. And then there is the aspect of winning this symbolic stage, with arrival the Tourmalet...”